Know What You Believe

“Know what you believe,” I used to tell my teenage daughter. You might not have all the answers, and some things you clearly can say you just don’t know. But at least “know what you know”. Own it and use it as a foundation. It’s okay to just say, “I don’t have all the answers, but I do know this…” and to only proclaim that which you are sure of in your own heart and life.

The point is that I choose to live a life based on principle — but I have to know what those principles are and for me it helps to document them in writing. It’s not my goal to evangelize my beliefs or expect anyone to believe the same things I do, but to simply encourage you to find a similar foundation that you can build your own life around. Maybe writing them down isn’t your thing, but it will benefit to at least reflect on them while you have your coffee, while you drive, while sitting with friends. For now, I just wanted to share mine.

Some of the things I believe:

That people matter, and that they all are going through and have walked through things we know nothing about. That acknowledging this should forever change the way we interact with those around us.

That by giving grace and compassion above all other things I may sometimes be taken advantage of. But in the end, that’s okay. I believe that the compassion and love I’ve given will outweigh the things that I’ve lost.

That people need someone to be proud of them and to be recognized — to know that what they are doing makes a difference.

That there is a time and a place, and sometimes this isn’t it.

That it’s the little things in life that matter the most. That the smallest gestures can change a heart.

That people need the benefit of the doubt first. The details can be worked out later, but start with an open mind.

Regarding faith, I believe in the one true Holy God of Abraham, the creator of all things and the holder and decider of all mercy and blessings — the God that Moses bowed before on the mountain and that Jesus prayed to in the garden. That it is He to whom we owe our worship and submission, our prayer, our praise and our devotion. I believe He has many names but that all are the same, and that He has many characteristics but none greater than…